“Vava’u … is surrounded by one of the largest,
most sheltered natural harbors in the south Pacific. Much of the archipelago
features deep seaways that wind, fjord-like, around islands more than
300ft in height. Over 20 locations provide good overnight anchorages,
and far more are suitable for day use, presenting limitless choices
for exploration, snorkeling, diving, fishing, or just lying about on
the beach. From July to November, it is possible to spot humpback whales
in migration. These features, combined with a tropical climate, warm
sea, swaying coconut palms and long stretches of white-sand beach, make
the Vava’u archipelago a Polynesian heaven and world-class cruising
ground. From “Sailing Guide to the kingdom of Tonga”
...Vava'u is regarded as one of the best game-fishing destinations
in the Pacific and a prime site for catching marlin... Lonelyplanet, Tonga
"Tonga - The real Polynesia"
Your Tongan visit
The 64 emerald cays that make up the Kingdom of Tonga, Polynesia's
oldest and last remaining monarchy, were christened “The Friendly
Islands” by Captain Cook in 1777. Today, visitors are quick to
agree that the warm welcome of these deeply hospitable people is matched
only by the appeal of perfect cruising in a fantasy land of unspoiled
islands, breathtaking scenery, incredible snorkeling and remote village
visits.
Begin your adventure from our base located minutes away from the main
town of Neiafu, in the heart of the Vava'u group of islands. This pristine
boating area consists of dozens of islands and a countless number of
picturesque bays and anchorages, all within an easy days cruise.
These perpetually calm waters boast visibility from 100 to 150 feet,
with coral formations the size of treasure troves, just waiting to be
discovered by snorkeling and divers.
For those who enjoy fresh fish, this destination offers
and ample supply of
Mahi Mahi
Yellowfin Tuna and
Wahoo.
Why not troll between the islands as your captain plots your course.
From July through November the deeper offshore waters
are a breeding ground for humpback whales which repeat complex phrases
and themes, creating calls that echo in your memory forever.
Your visit to Tonga can be highlighted by an authentic Polynesian feast
on Hinakawe’a Beach, a celebration famous throughout the Pacific
with up to 30 dishes and a torch-lit celebration of dancing and singing.
For relaxed Cruising, serene beauty, and deeply-rooted hospitality of
the people, Tonga is waiting to welcome you.
"Tonga - An unspoiled island kingdom"
Direct flights to Tonga
Remember there are direct flights to Tonga from
Las Angeles California
Australia
Auckland, New Zealand
People
If Tonga were a person they would be
warm and friendly
unhurried
easy going
active and fun and
traditional.
The Tongan people are cheerful, curious, and fun to be around.
"Tonga - The Pacific island of choice"
Visitors
People who visit Tonga tend to
enjoy adventure
love romance
stay informed
be savvy
learn about culture
respect nature and be
active
confident
intrepid and be an
independent dedicated traveler.
"Tonga is still the authenticate Polynesia"
Tongan Bats
In Tonga bats are protected by royal decree meaning Tonga is one of
the few remaining locations where the Foxbat and the Old World Bat thrive
in the wild.
Tonga is lucky to be home to the
Flying Fox bat and the micro Old World Fruit Bat. Visitors from
around the world venture to Tonga for a glimpse of one of the last remaining
habitats to the Flying Fox and the Old World Bat.
The Flying Fox is pure vegetarian eating sap and fruit in the trees
and thus plays a vital role in the Tongan ecosystem by pollinating trees
and spreading the seeds through scat. Their meter wide wingspan and
quick, darting flights in the tree tops makes the Flying Fox an easy
mammal to view.
Flying Foxes leave their tree roosts about an hour before sunset and
begin their circling flight paths. These gentle creatures were given
the name Flying Fox due to their fox like face, even though they are
not related to the fox family.
Let us take you to one of the last remaining islands that is home to
the Flying Fox.
"A group of bats is called a flock"
The Old World Bat is one of the world's smallest bats
and can be seen living overhead of Swallows Cave. Typically on the first
day of a charter we drive our skiff into the wide opening of this magnificent
limestone cave. On the overhead live a flock of Old World Bats.
Old World Bats are some of the worlds lightest flying mammals weighing
just a quarter ounce each.
"A baby bat is called a pup"
Comunication
Tonga represents the ancient Polynesia of the South Pacific, but that
does not mean you'll be out of touch when traveling. Tonga and Vava'u
especially are connected through computer Wifi in most locations.
Our Catana 582 is connected to the major web provider through a special
Wifi link that re-transmits through the vessel so your computer online
whenever you are onboard. Just ask for your free password.
Tonga has complete cell phone coverage. Bring your phone from home
and for under ten dollars a new SIM card can be purchased for instant
communication, or use our onboard loaner phone by simply purchasing
local pre-pay phone cards.
"There's no daylight savings time in Tonga.
We've got plenty"
Weather
Tonga has near perfect weather. Warm and sunny year round with light
rains, and just enough clouds to provide sufficient shade for outdoor
activities.
June-December being the dryer, cooler months where
we wear shorts in the daytime, long pants or a long sleeve shirt in
the evening, and sleep with a light blanket. Snorkeling for up to an
hour can be enjoyed in simple shorts, while full days in the water can
be slightly more comfortable with a 1mm wetsuit top.
January-May the temperature is slightly hotter. We
wear shorts in the day and occasionally wear long pants in the evening.
At night we sleep with a sheet and on still nights sometimes we turn
on a fan. Swimming can be comfortable all day in simple shorts, but
many guests still wear the lightest of wetsuit tops.
Please remember a Catana 582 is completely climate controlled. If at
any time you find your too hot or cold just ask and were happy to turn
on the air conditioning.
"Tonga - Journey to the real Polynesia"
Cost of living
Tonga is a travelers dream, and one of the best values for money in
the South Pacific. The US dollar is strong and English is universally
spoken. Flights are inexpensive from the US, New Zealand and Australia.
Many guests combine a week sailing in Tonga with a trip to New Zealand
or Australia.
Relax and enjoy nights out, purchasing gifts for friends and family,
and all that the friendly islands have to offer. Tonga is inexpensive
compared to other polynesian island destinations.
"Tonga - Thousands of years of history in one country"
Tongan culture
Feasts - Tongan's are known as great producers of
feasts. We can arrange for one of the many local feasts to be presented
for your enjoyment.
Weaving - Tongan’s are known throughout the
South Pacific for their excellent weaving.
We can arrange classes, or simply take you to the weavers themselves
so you can purchase goods right from the weaver themselves.
Church-Tongan's are known for their church services.
Attend a local service and surround yourself with the rich choir sounds.
Tapa cloth production -Tapa
cloth pounding is of historic significance in Tonga. We can arrange
for a viewing of the making of these world class tapa cloths. Feel free
to observe or even take a Tapa home as a permanent memory or your vacation.
Kava - The local pepper root drink,
Kava, is a mild sedative that men drink in the evenings. We can
arrange to meet the locals and partake of the festivities, or we can
prepare a Kava drink aboard for a private experience.
Local villages - Tonga is an island world. The main
mode of travel is by boat and the local villages are traditionally visited
by water. Allow us to bring you to some of the local villages to experience
authentic, traditional Tongan culture.
Safety - Tonga has a very low crime rate. Violent
crime in Vava'u is almost nonexistent, and there are almost no cases
of piracy in the whole of the South Pacific. All in all, Tonga
is a very safe place to vacation, live, and holiday.
"Tonga - Ancient, timeless and yours"
Polynesian Tattoos
Polynesia Tattoos are some of the worlds finest work. The flowing,
artistic patterns are known the world over. Come to Polynesia and consider
the options of a Tongan tattoo.